The Indiana Commission for Higher Education today approved the university's proposal to create what is believed to be the world's first school dedicated to the study and teaching of philanthropy. The school will build on the strengths of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, a pioneer in philanthropy education, research and training.

"The Center on Philanthropy has long been recognized as the leading research institute of its kind, and it makes major contributions to the study of philanthropy," said Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie. "The transformation of the Center to a new School of Philanthropy will allow us to take full advantage of other university resources in related areas and provide unparalleled educational and research opportunities in this area for our students."

The School of Philanthropy will be home to the ongoing bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. degree programs in Philanthropic Studies created by the Center. Students at all ages and life stages enroll in the programs to better understand and prepare to work in philanthropy and nonprofit organizations around the world.

"This is an important step for IUPUI and for philanthropy," said Charles R. Bantz, IUPUI chancellor and executive vice president of Indiana University. "IUPUI and the Center on Philanthropy have long been in the vanguard of philanthropy education. Creating the School of Philanthropy will expand and enhance our ability to provide students with a top-quality education in a growing field."

Gene Tempel, who has been named senior fellow in philanthropy effective Oct. 1, will lead the planning and organization of the new school, collaborating with faculty, staff and university administrators. Tempel, who currently serves as president of Indiana University Foundation, is a former executive director of the Center on Philanthropy and has been integrally involved with it since its inception.

"Many of today's students want careers that let them make a meaningful difference in the lives of others," Tempel said. "The School of Philanthropy will help them become the next generation of philanthropy and nonprofit professionals and scholars, equipping them to fulfill their dreams of changing the world.

"Students and the philanthropic sector also will benefit from the additional opportunities that will arise from enriching and expanding the Center on Philanthropy's existing partnerships with the School of Public and Environmental Affairs' outstanding nonprofit management programs at IUPUI and in Bloomington, and with the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI," Tempel said.

The Center on Philanthropy, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, will continue providing groundbreaking research and training programs, including The Fund Raising School, the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving and the Women's Philanthropy Institute. Center on Philanthropy Executive Director Patrick M. Rooney will continue to serve in that role, directing all aspects of the Center's contributions to philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.

"Philanthropy and nonprofits play an increasingly prominent and important role in society, and they are now quite complex, requiring more sophisticated education, research and training," Rooney said. "The new School of Philanthropy and the additional talented faculty and students it will attract will significantly expand the scope and impact of the Center on Philanthropy's research and training in best practices. The result will be well-informed and equipped nonprofit professionals, donors and volunteers who are prepared to maximize the effectiveness of their organization's mission and shape the future of philanthropy."

About the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University

The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University is a leading academic center dedicated to increasing the understanding of philanthropy and improving its practice worldwide through research, teaching, training and public affairs programs in philanthropy, fundraising and management of nonprofit organizations. The Center operates programs on the IUPUI and IU Bloomington campuses. For more information, visit www.philanthropy.iupui.edu.